SALARY: $90K – $140K

Sound Transit is changing the way we move around the region with an unprecedented number of system expansion projects taking place over the next seven (7) years, and more projects taking place through 2040, we will more than quadruple the current service area! Come and be part of the transformation as a Senior Cost Engineer. This role will be instrumental in preparing and evaluating cost estimates for Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail projects. The ideal candidate has a Bachelors Degree in engineering, architecture, construction management or related field and 8+ years in construction cost estimating on major public transit capital projects, preferably light rail or related, or a similar combination of education and experience. AACEI certification as a Certified Cost Professional (CCP) is highly preferred.

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GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general direction, performs professional senior level technical expertise in preparing total construction cost estimates at different stages of project design, from preliminary through final design document development; ensures the full integration of scope, schedule, costs, risk, and resources; establishes budgets and engineer estimates for construction of large-scale transit projects; performs cost impact analysis related to the project/contract potential and/or directed change orders and for comparison with cost trending analysis; tracks and recommends pricing thresholds to the project team and senior management; maintains cost database based on historical and current market prices; monitors consultant construction management (CM) and construction contractor progress and cost changes to ensure projects adhere to project control policies and procedures and are completed on time and within budget; develops project risk assessment, conducts construction risk analysis and risk mitigation, and cost contingencies analysis; develops and implements standards for the preparation of cost estimates for change order/contract amendment negotiations; interacts, shares knowledge, and negotiates across organizational boundaries with other Agency departments and local, state and federal agencies/jurisdictions and with business partners such as local transit agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Project Controls Manager, Scheduling, Cost Estimating, Risk and VE, and the Director of Project Controls.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Manages multiple estimating assignments concurrently and provides assistance to Project Control Manager for tracking review/development by staff.
• Prepares total cost estimates using preliminary design criteria and narrative information; and documents estimate assumptions and conditions.
• Prepares detailed total cost estimates based on 30% to 100% complete design drawings and specifications including total project estimate compilation, cost estimate presentation and reporting, back up documentation, and assumption and basis of the estimates.
• Prepares detailed independent cost estimates (ICE) for construction changes for all work category disciplines; coordinates with design groups, site construction manager and visits jobsite to determine actual change conditions and confirms scope as required; prepares cost impact analysis related to the contract potential and/or directed change orders, and for comparison with cost trending analysis, and tracking; and recommends pricing thresholds to the project team and senior management.
• Prepares cost estimates for funding agreements (BCE) and conversion of cost estimates to the required federal transit administration (FTA) formats for funding and grant request submittals.
• Reviews and analyzes consultant estimates, from preliminary engineering through final design; at final submittal, adjusts consultant estimate to add addendum changes, cost escalation, contingencies and provisional sum costs for risk impacts; issues as engineer estimate at bid; integrates cost estimates with the schedule to build stronger cost and schedule models, and expands their use from design to also monitor the construction projects.
• Attends meetings with design groups, cost consultants, third parties, ST construction management, consultant construction management and contractors to determine scope and discuss costs for various projects and to resolve scope and costs for proposed changes.
• Monitors current construction market prices and develops historical cost database; and continually maintains database based on current market prices.
• Develops project risk assessment; conducts construction risk analysis, risk mitigation, and cost contingencies analysis using risk analysis and simulation tools such as @Risk or Crystal Ball.
• Develops and implements standards for the preparation of cost (check) independent cost estimates for change order and contract amendment negotiations; assists the project controls manager with other cost estimating, risk assessments and risk mitigation as required.
• Provides support to the Project Controls Manager, Scheduling, Cost Estimating, Risk and VE, and the Director of Project Controls and others on matters as directed; serves as staff on a variety of committees as assigned; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate; ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
• Demonstrates Sound Transit’s Values in every interaction.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:
Bachelors Degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or closely related field and eight years of experience in construction cost estimating on major public capital projects that includes risk assessment, project control, and cost database development and reporting, preferably in major light rail projects or similar; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:
• A valid certificate of registration as a Professional Civil or Architectural Engineer issued by the State of Washington, and/Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) certification preferred.
• Valid state driver’s license.

Required Knowledge of:
• Design criteria for light rail projects, project documents and all discipline design drawings and specifications.
• Construction with field and bid experience in construction methods, labor productivities, work processes, equipment types/usage, scheduling of work activities, judgment related to incidental cost impacts, owner/general contractor/subcontractor contract relationships and claim analysis.
• Advanced construction cost estimating principles.
• Resources used for cost estimates including labor/prevailing wage rates, equipment costs based on Primedia Information, Inc. publications (Cost Reference Guide for Construction Equipment and Rental Rate Blue Book), the HCSS estimating program for consumption rates for fuel, oil, grease, and mechanic hours, and productivity, material, and subcontract cost resource information.
• Contractual terms and conditions.
• Advanced methods and techniques of statistical and financial analysis and financial concepts.
• Computer and project controls/project management and estimating software skills.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Techniques to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.
• Principles and practices of governmental budget, and project/program preparation and administration.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Supervising/leading and evaluating work carried out by staff and consultants.

Required Skill in:
• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.
• Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
• Analyzing and reviewing financial, project, and related budgetary information to determine impact on projects and prepare accurate cost estimates.
• Preparing total cost estimates using preliminary design criteria and narrative information to document estimate assumptions and conditions.
• Applying project management techniques and principles.
• Applying appropriate oral and written communication techniques to various individuals.
• Interpreting and applying applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Preparing and analyzing complex data and comprehensive reports.
• Working cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies.
• Monitoring and evaluating departmental and program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules in order to develop accurate detailed total cost estimates.
• Leading and delegating daily tasks, communicating, and providing feedback and work direction to assigned staff/consultants.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:
• Work is performed in a standard office environment.
• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)